Inoculation apparatus and method

Abstract

An inoculation device and method are provided. The device includes a hypodermic syringe with a hollow needle that is positioned to inject a small animal in its abdominal area with an inoculant. A work platform supports the animal during inoculation in a back down, face up orientation. Air flow sensing activation means is positioned adjacent a portion of the animal. When the animal is moved into contact with the activation means, drive means connected to the hypodermic syringe moves the needle forward to penetrate the animal after which the inoculant is injected.

1 . Apparatus for injecting an object with a fluid, comprising: 
 a hypodermic syringe;    a needle mounted on the syringe, said needle being movable on a drive path for injection of said object;    drive means connected to the hypodermic syringe and operable to selectively move the needle between an extended position and a retracted position;    a conduit for flow of fluid having an outlet for flow of fluid therethrough, said outlet being positioned relative to said needle so that an object in the drive path of said needle may partially block said outlet to restrict flow of fluid through said outlet; and    a pressure sensor for sensing a change in pressure in said conduit resulting from restriction of fluid flow through said outlet to activate the drive means whereby the drive means moves the needle to the extended position in response to the change in pressure.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for injecting a small animal with a fluid, the animal having an abdominal area, said apparatus comprising: 
 a hypodermic syringe;    a needle mounted on the syringe, said needle being movable on a drive path for injection of said animal;    a cradle adjacent said needle and adapted for positioning the animal to be injected in a face up position relative to the needle so that the abdominal area of the animal is exposed for penetration by the needle; and    drive means connected to the hypodermic syringe and operable to selectively move the needle between an extended position and a retracted position.    
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for injecting a small animal with a fluid, said apparatus comprising: 
 a hypodermic syringe;    a needle mounted on the syringe;    drive means connected to the syringe and operable to selectively move the needle between an extended position and a retracted position; and    a positioning device positioned adjacent the needle and adapted for positioning the animal to be injected relative to the needle, said positioning device includes a cradle extending from the housing and opening generally upwardly, the cradle having a portion defining an opening for receiving a posterior portion of the animal to facilitate positioning the animal relative to the needle.    
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 3  wherein the cradle includes an upwardly facing support surface with its lower most portion positioned at an angle in the range of about 20° through about 60° relative to horizontal.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 4  including a crossbar positioned adjacent to an end of the retention device most adjacent the housing and spaced from the support surface for receiving the posterior portion of the animal between the bar and the support surface.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as set forth in  claim 5  including an opening through the support surface adjacent the housing and the bar, said opening being adapted to receive the posterior portion of the animal therein.